Disney 'dream room' opens at Chapman University

Known to Disneyland fans as the man who shook Walt Disney's hand, former Disneyland president Jack Lindquist spearheaded many firsts for the world-famous amusement park, such as Disney dollars, Disneyland Grad Nite and the Disneyland Ambassador program.

Lindquist, now retired, recently took part in another Disney first – this time at Chapman University.

After a year of planning, the university hosted a dedication ceremony March 15 revealing the Jack and Belle Lindquist Dream Room and Disney Collection in the university's Leatherby Libraries. Located on the second floor near the children's section, the two study rooms and two large, brightly lit display cases feature Lindquist's personal collection of rare memorabilia and awards for library users and Disney fans to admire. His collection includes posters, photos, theme-specific Disneyland figurines and various awards.

According to the university's special collections and archives librarian Rand Boyd, the cases house the best of Lindquist's collection and will be rotated in the coming years to feature the rest of Lindquist's awards and Disney memorabilia, which was donated to Chapman in 2012.

More than 120 attendees, including Mickey Mouse, were on hand for the unveiling ceremony of the dream room, where Lindquist spoke of his favorite memories as part of the first group of people to work for the park. These included his personal encounters with Walt Disney, such as writing a speech for him, to the conversations that made him a part of some of the park's most innovative features, such as Disneyland Grad Nite and the creation of a cornfield in Iowa that features a silhouette of Mickey Mouse.

Though he retired from Disneyland in 1993, he still considers himself "in service to the mouse."

"Thirty-eight years later, I still love the place," Lindquist said.

The former president's role as the park's first marketing director earned him several honors and awards, including a City Hall window display on Main Street naming him honorary mayor of Disneyland (a miniature version is on display at the Leatherby Libraries.)

Lindquist has maintained a close relationship with Chapman shortly after his retirement. He was named a trustee of Chapman University in 1994 and received emeritus status in 2002.

He also visits the university twice a year to speak at education professor Brian Alters' course, "The Pursuit of Happiness and Knowledge: Walt Disney and Charles Darwin." Much of the class focuses on Lindquist's expertise, Disney's marketing strategy and why the Disney model works so well.

"Half a billion people have been to that park Disneyland that Jack [Lindquist] told people to come to," Alters said.

Assistant Vice President of University Advancement Michele Bautista said Lindquist also assisted and offered guidance in planning Chapman University's 150th anniversary celebration in 2011. When moving out of his home that same year, Lindquist approached Dean of the Leatherby Libraries Charlene Baldwin with the idea of donating the memorabilia he could not bring with him to his new home to Chapman University for safekeeping, and the two began planning how and where they would display the memorabilia on campus.

"He spent time in the library and loves the area where the dream rooms are – right in front of the children's library – so it was the perfect fit," Bautista said. "It was really important for him to leave his collection somewhere he knows it would be appreciated and on display. I think this was a natural home for his collection."

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